Phytotechnology Projects

Successfull removal of solids and metals, pH regulation and sulphate degradation have been reached in a treatment system that consisted of aeration cascade, sedimentation, limestone drainage, anaerobic gravel filter and algae containing treatment step.

The former municipal solid waste landfill Altablagerung Wannsee (AAW) in southwestern Berlin was chosen for installation of an evapotranspiration (ET) landfill cover design. This design relies on a qualified soil-vegetation barrier to minimize or prevent water from infiltrating into the underlying waste, thereby minimizing leachate generation. Scots pine (Pinus silvestris) saplings were planted on the AAW into the grass-covered top soil layer (silty sand compost blend) in 2005. Most of the 14,000 planted pines died the same year. Three experimental field plots were established in 2006 to tackle this problem, including the alternative planting of Austrian pine (Pinus nigra) and Norway spruce (Picea abies). The plot locations represent locally common topographical and exposure conditions. Ecotechnology means are being tested for increasing survival and growth of the conifers. Environmental site conditions are characterized regularly, emphasizing key soil parameters, vegetation composition, and weather.

Industrial wastewater of a tannery in Mexico is treated in a planted gravel filter. Through this the COD in wastewater is reduced below the regulatory limit value of 200 mg/l O2.